Aortic stenosis: An important cause of collapse to be considered in a polytrauma patient

Abstract

Undiagnosed and underlying medical co-morbidities are known to have a role in the causation of or contribution to injuries sustained in cases of polytrauma. Syncope provoked by valvular heart disease is one such example. Thorough clinical assessment is needed to ensure such diagnoses are detected and treated, whilst ensuring a patient’s ongoing rehabilitation needs are met. Here, the authors report a case of polytrauma, most likely secondary to severe aortic stenosis, causing syncope which was diagnosed at a later stage due to ongoing symptomatology. Delay in picking up such diagnoses can contribute to mortality in these patients or affect morbidity by having a detrimental impact on a patient’s functional recovery.